Picture this: endless sunny days, azure blue waters, and a captivating blend of ancient history and vibrant culture. Welcome to Sicily, the ultimate playground for those seeking an unforgettable travel experience. From exploring the awe-inspiring ruins of ancient Greek temples to indulging in mouthwatering cannoli and gelato, this island has something for everyone.

Sicily isn't just your typical Mediterranean destination. It's a place where time seems to slow down, allowing you to immerse yourself in the island's rich tapestry of traditions and customs. You'll find yourself enchanted by the warmth and hospitality of the locals, who take great pride in sharing their heritage with visitors.

One of the coolest things about Sicily is its eclectic fusion of influences. From the architectural marvels left behind by the Greeks, Romans, and Arabs to the delicious culinary concoctions inspired by centuries of cultural exchange, Sicily is a melting pot of flavors and history. Imagine wandering through vibrant street markets, filled with the tantalizing aromas of freshly caught seafood, locally grown produce, and aromatic spices.

We embarked on a 7 day journey through Sicily driving from Catania to Palermo to tell you about the best hotels, best restaurants, things to do and see. First some important points:

Should I rent a car? Absolutely yes! Renting a car in Sicily is easy and cheap. Not all streets are well asphalted and you are bound to find some rugged roads but it’s part of the adventure
Is Sicily safe? Sicily is absolutely safe especially when travelling to smaller towns and outside of large cities. Palermo and Catania are the biggest cities and pick pocketing can happen here like in any other big European city.
What is the best time to go? Late May/Early June and September / October. Sicily gets really full during summer and really hot. This means that visiting cute towns and Greek ruins might get really sweaty. In summer prices also go up and hotels / restaurants tend to be booked out. Nevertheless if you’re all about the heat and vacationing in July/August you will enjoy having dinners in outdoor terraces, dipping in the sea and feeling like a local.
What local food should I eat? Sicily is full of delicacies, some regional foods you have to try are: granita di mandorla, brioche con gelato, arancini, caponata, raw prawns, Busiate al pesto Trapanese, Pasta alla Norma, Pasta con le Sarde and Cannoli!!!

When it comes to where to stay we decided that for 8 nights we could stop in 4 different places to see as much as possible of the island but at the same time not be too stressed. These are the areas we discovered - if this sounds like too much for you you can also always pick 1/2 areas to focus on. Our favourites were South East Sicily and Agrigento.

1) Etna / Taormina / Catania

2) South East Sicily

3) Agrigento

4) Northern Sicily

Etna Area

If you are planning a visit to the Etna Vulcano and the wine regions surrounding it we suggest spending at least 2 nights around the Etna region. From here you can also take day trips to Taormina (a bit overrated but a must for any White Lotus fan) Savoca (where much of the Godfather was filmed).

**Monaci delle Terre Nere**

The perfect stay around Etna - Monaci delle Terre Nere is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Sicily, is not just a hotel—it's an enchanting escape that transports you to a world of tranquility and natural beauty.
**$$$ -** 4.5 (Google)
Via Monaci, Via Pietralunga, sn, 95019

The Etna area is all about food, wine and of course the volcano! - make sure you participate in a wine tasting and a trip to Etna. Below you’ll find some of our favourite restaurants in this region.

**La Cucina di Donna Carmela**

La Cucina di Donna Carmela is a culinary haven where traditional Sicilian flavors come alive with a contemporary flair. With a warm and welcoming staff, an ambiance that exudes style and elegance, and a menu that tantalizes the taste buds, this restaurant is a must-visit.
**$$$ -** 4.7 (Google)
Contrada, Via Grotte, 7, 95018 Carruba CT

**Concezione Restaurant**

Concezione Restaurant is a culinary gem that recently opened its doors in Catania to showcase their harmonious blends of traditional Sicilian flavors with innovative culinary techniques. The staff is warm and friendly and the menu is one of the best we’ve ever tried.
**$$$ -** 4.6 (Google)
Via Giuseppe Verdi, 143, 95131 Catania CT

**Materia | Spazio Cucina**

Materia is probably the best restaurant we tried in and around Catania. This is mainly because it also serves an amazing breakfast. We went twice (for breakfast and for dinner) and both were incredible.
**$$ -** 5 (Google)
Via Teatro Massimo, 29, 95131 Catania CT

South East Sicily

No visit to Sicily is complete without heading to the South East. The drive from Catania will take you around 1 to 1.5 hours and you could even spend an entire week just exploring this area. We recommend you to sleep around Noto, Ragusa or Modica (our absolute favourite place was Noto as there are so many cute bars and there is a lot of life. Some amazing day trips around the area are: Noto, Ragusa, Modica, Caltagirone (the ceramics city), Scicli and Syracuse with Ortigia. If you want to go to the beach you can visit Marina di Modica, Scoglitti, Kamarina, Randello and Baia di Porto Ulisse. How much you can/want to see in a day is up to you but you can definitely do Ragusa, Modica and Scicli in one day. Caltagirone is a bit further up but really cute as well.

**Dimora delle Balze**

Dimora delle Balze is a perfect hotel around 20 minutes from Noto. It’s quite famous as Madonna decided to celebrate her birthday here. We love it because of the vibe and the location.
**$$$ -** 4.6 (Google)
SS287, 96017 Noto SR

**Hotel Q92**

If you prefer to be right in the center of it all then opt for Hotel Q92 - a charming hotel in the city of Noto. The vibe at this hotel is absolutely on point and you won’t regret it.
**$$$ -** 4.9 (Google)
Ronco Bernardo Leanti, 4/5, 96017 Noto SR

South-east Sicily is a captivating region where ancient history, stunning landscapes, and a vibrant cultural heritage come together to create an unforgettable travel experience. Below you’ll find some of our favourite restaurants in the region. Make sure to also stop by Fratelli Burgio in Syracuse for a quick lunch or a take away sandwitch.

**Ciccio Sultano Duomo**

We found Ciccio Sultano Duomo by mistake while walking around Ragusa and fell in love with it right away. They have an amazing 3 course lunch menu for EUR 65 (not bad for a 2 Star Michelin) and it was one of our best meals in Sicily.
**$$$ -** 4.5 (Google)
Ibla, Via Capitano Bocchieri, 31, 97100 Ragusa

**Ristorante Coria**

Ristorante Coria is the absolute best place to eat in Caltagirone. The restaurant is quiet and calm, the staff is really friendly and the food is out of this world. It’s a lunch/dinner you won’t forget.
**$$$ -** 4.6 (Google)
Via Infermeria, 24, 95041 Caltagirone CT

**Locanda Gulfi**

Besides being a really cute hote, Locanda Gulfi also has excellent food. Everything is authentic and tasteful and the best part is that you can do a wine tasting and a lunch right afterwards.
**$$ -** 4.6 (Google)
Contrada Patrìa, sn, 97012 Chiaramonte Gulfi

Agrigento

The Agrigento area in Sicily is a treasure trove of ancient wonders, where the Valley of the Temples stands as a majestic testament to the island's rich history. Explore the well-preserved Greek ruins, stroll through olive groves, and soak in the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. This enchanting region offers a captivating blend of archaeological marvels, charming towns, and picturesque countryside, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. While in Agrigento visit the famous Scala dei Turchi. Other beautiful day trips are to Naro and Palma di Montechiaro.

**Verdura Resort**

Sit back and relax at the beautiful Verdura Resort. The grounds are impeccable and you can either stay in and play a game of golf/ go to the beach or visit everything that’s around the area.
**$$$ -** 4.6 (Google)
S.S. 115, Km 131, 92019 Sciacca AG

The Agrigento area, around 2.5 hours away from Noto, is a captivating destination that weaves together the enchantment of ancient history, breathtaking landscapes, and a vibrant cultural heritage. Explore the awe-inspiring Valley of the Temples, indulge in the region's gastronomic delights at our favorite local restaurants, and immerse yourself in an unforgettable travel experience that will leave you in awe.

**Osteria Expanificio**

Our meal at Osteria Expanificio felt super authentic with fresh ingredients and perfect flavours. Our favourites were the insalata di polipo and the caponata with carciofi. The place is really easy going and perfect for a quick lunch.
**$$ -** 4.6 (Google)
Piazza Giuseppe Sinatra, 92100 Agrigento AG

**Locanda Perbellini al Mare**

It’s not always easy to find good restaurants by the beach but Locanda Perbellini al Mare has absolutely everything: the location, the views, the staff and the amazing food. A must visit.
**$$ -** 4.6 (Google)
Bovo Marina, 92010 Montallegro AG

Northern Sicily

Northern Sicily, encompassing the charming coastal town of Cefalù and the bustling capital city of Palermo, beckons travelers with its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Explore the narrow streets of Cefalù's old town, where medieval charm mingles with stunning sea views. Visit the iconic Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and relax on the golden sands of its picturesque beach. In Palermo, immerse yourself in the vibrant street markets, like Ballarò and Vucciria, and discover the city's architectural gems such as the magnificent Palermo Cathedral and the Norman Palace. Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of Sicilian street food, from arancini to panelle, as you wander through the bustling alleys.

Heading to the center of Sicily, prepare to be captivated by its unspoiled landscapes, ancient ruins, and rustic charm. Explore the picturesque hilltop town of Enna, known as the "navel of Sicily," and marvel at the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Discover the enchanting Villa Romana del Casale near Piazza Armerina, with its remarkably well-preserved Roman mosaics. For Northern Sicily we decided to stay at a beautiful retreat around one hour from Palermo as we really wanted to immerse ourselves in the Sicilian nature. It was perfect for day trips but you can also choose to stay in Cefalù or Palermo.

**Susafa**

If tranquility and nature is what you are looking for look no further. Susafa is a magical place (1.5 hours from Palermo 40 minutes from Cefalù) where you’ll feel like you are really living in the real Sicily. The Masseria has been redone completely and you’ll find all the modern amenities you may need.
**$$ -** 4.6 (Google)
Contrada Susafa, 90028 Polizzi generosa PA

Northern Sicily is no exception and you’ll find so many delicious restaurants, gelaterie and pastry shops. In Palermo you’ll find a variety of Michelin restaurants as well as osterie and eateries where you can eat amazing meals.

The Sicily Guide - From Catania to Palermo (2023 Edition)